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Avoid being sleepy while driving

An increase in the number of car crashes can have an effect on auto insurance prices, and falling asleep behind the wheel is one way drivers can end up in trouble while on the road.

This week marks national Drowsy Driver Prevention Week, which is an effort to inform people about the dangers of being sleepy while driving a car. According to a poll from the National Sleep Foundation, in the past year about 1.9 million drivers have either been involved in a crash or were almost involved in an accident because of being sleepy.

"People underestimate how tired they are and think that they can stay awake by sheer force of will," said Dr. Thomas Balkin, chairman of the foundation. "This is a risky misconception."

The NSF noted there are a number of things people can do in order to prevent being drowsy while driving. Drivers should make sure to get enough sleep before making a trip. Drivers should take a break from being behind the wheel ever 100 miles or two hours.

One state has tried to take matters into its own hands when it comes to drowsy driving. According to the Insurance Information Institute, New Jersey passed a law in 2003 that equates drowsy driving with the offense of reckless driving.